Overweight

Frequently Asked Questions

1. QUESTION:
   Overweight?
   Regarding air travel, do you think that overweight (say those who may require two seats or have according to medical advice an unhealthy body mass index) individuals should incur extra charges? say, that passengers should be weighed like luggage and billed accordingly.

   * I say overweight, but you could consider a normal, just very big person. Would it be fair in an overweight persons case to say...but you havent looked after yourself and now we have to give you two seats, and use greater amounts of fuel. This can lead on to the question of...if you think a persons weight is something they determine themselves consciously..or something genetic.

   • ANSWER:
     For a plane to be able to fly, the weight it carries is critical. A standard average weight for adults is implemented by the airline manufacturers and the airlines to allow them to sell a certain number of seats without actually weighing anyone. If a person cannot easily fit in the airline seat, then that is a good indication that their weight exceeds the allocation standard for an adult. In this case, yes, they should pay for 2 seats because their weight is preventing the airline from carrying another passenger.

2. QUESTION:
   overweight?
   im 13 and i weigh 145 and i think im overweight but my mom says i dont look it.
   any good dieting tips that i can do at home? (no i will not buy all those commerical pills or foods)
   also i dont even eat that much.

   • ANSWER:
     You're too young to be worrying about your weight. You also didn't say how tall you are; so it's impossible to determine if you are overweight.

     You still have one growth spurt left before you become an adult. Usually, youths who are "chunky" get taller without putting on a whole lot of weight. The result is, they appear thinner at age eighteen than at age thirteen.

3. QUESTION:
   OverWeight?
   I'm 12 years old, around 5''4, and i weigh 116 pounds. I think that is alot compared to all of my other friends. I often feel embarassed to weigh so much. My mom says it's normal because I am tall, and I'm really skinny also. So..am I overweight? I do excersise but I am not loosing any weight. Thanks for your help! =^-^=
   ok ok..so maybe I shoulden't have put it that way "Really Skinny, but am i overweight?" That just didnt sound...right. Ok..so what i realy meant it, well first of all i'm not REALLY skinny, just skinny.. Ok, so what i really meant is that..alot of skinny people do not weigh alot, so howcome I do? And Thanks for the awesome answers!!! I'm not at a high enough level yet to rate =(

   • ANSWER:
     You're totally not over weight, but I'll give you a diet if you want

     Breakfast: integral toast and a 70-calorie yogurt

     Lunch: Fruit (any kind, except banana) and a fish (not fried)

     Snack if you get hungry: gum or 90-calorie diet bar

     Dinner: Light soup (not a creamy soup, it has too much fat)
     Or maybe a cup of special K or cheerios

     Some other tips:
     DON'T EVER DINNER AFTER 7PM, IT HAS BEEN PROVEN IN INVESTIGATIONS AND THAT HELPS A LOT, TRY TO DINNER BEFORE 7, I SWEAR IT'S AMAZING

     I recommend you coffee in the morning, it gives you a lot of energy! (without sugar, or maybe splenda)

     Another thing is to drink green tea once a day, it burns fat and it's good for your health

     And of course, do at least 50 abs per day

     Good luck

4. QUESTION:
   OVERWEIGHT???????????
   hi im 13 years old and am 9 stone. im fairly tall at 5 foot 5 and am fit with no fat. but everytime i get on the scales nothing changes. why

   • ANSWER:
     because you are probably at your ideal weight,

     and if you are fit, then you probably work out, which means you have muscle - - and everybody knows that muscle weighs more than fat!!

     don't worry about it. i have always weighed alot more than i look b/c i am active. muscle makes a difference.

5. QUESTION:
   overweight people need to start paying more for health and life insurance?
   I think the time has come for overweight to start pulling their weight a bit more. There are so many problems associated with obessity. We go after smokers by taxing the hell out of their habit why do overweight people get a free ride? And please dont tell me that they cant help it. Poor eating habits is a learned behavior that they choose not to change. I am not a smoker or overweight. I work a full time job as does my wife but we still manage to provide a decent and wholesome meal for our kids every day. Dont tell me some poor unfortunate people cant afford to cook healthy. Because there are just as many middle and upper class overweight people too. This is not ment to offend anyone only provide intellingent conversation.

   • ANSWER:
     They do pay more. The insurance companies a ask your weight or if you have a history of obesity in your family on the application.

6. QUESTION:
   What percentage of people overweight by at least 20% lbs become diabetics?
   What percentage of people overweight by at least 20% lbs become diabetics?
   Any kind of diabetes. Persons over 50 and overweight for at least 10 years. If you know please give source.
   I don't think anybody knows, for which, the advise of physicians to overweight patients should be "If you loose weight your chances of not developing diabetes will improve by several percentage points.
   If you are a dr or dietitian, please answer.

   • ANSWER:
     Well, considering the estimation that less than 50% of overweight people actually ever become diabetic, that might be your answer. By the same token, less than 50% of diabetics are ever overweight until they are put on insulins.

     So I really have my doubts that weight has anything to do with it at all.

     I do know for sure that high glucose levels over a 6 month time period will yank every bit of fat off a person. I am back to underweight again after trying a different basal insulin the insurance company likes. And that was only for a 3 month period.

7. QUESTION:
   How does being overweight effect the chances of getting pregnant?
   I've been TTC for 19 months now with no luck at all. I first started to think I couldn't have kids because it took my mom 18 months to get pregnant the first time, and she had several miscarriages.

   But now, I really believe its because I'm overweight. (By at least 30 pounds) As of today, I'm working out, watching what I eat, and so on to lose weight. I'm doing this to get healthy, to hopefully get pregnant and have a healthy pregnancy.

   But to fill my curiosity, how does being overweight exactly effect the chances of getting pregnant?

   • ANSWER:
     Research has shown that being overweight can cause hormone imbalances that can result in conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome, lack of ovulation and sub-fertility (which is where conception takes significantly longer than normal). It can also affect the effectiveness of fertility drugs and IVF which is usually why overweight women in need of fertility treatment have to get their weight down to a "target weight" before that treatment is administered.

     The same is true for people who are underweight.

     We're all put together differently though and it won't affect everyone, it just increases the chance that you'll have difficulty conceiving. Being over (or under) weight can also have health implications once you're actually pregnant so it's wise to get as healthy as you can before conceiving in order to see you through the nine months with as few problems as possible.

     Best of luck to you and speak to your doctor if you have any worries about conception.

8. QUESTION:
   How long for overweight people like me to see the muscles to appear after several workouts?
   As I am the overweight people, I'm now on my hard work to build muscles and lose weight for a long time. But I wonder how long it could take for overweight people like me to see muscles to show off after workouts.

   • ANSWER:
     You need to approach your weight problems through a regimen of diet AND excercise. Exercise alone won't do it. It is true that if you increase muscle volume that it will help you burn more energy and help with your weight loss, but you need to also reduce your caloric intake by eating a balanced diet and potion control. Research has shown that best method to produce a more muscular appearance is to diet to lose the fat that covers and is ingrained in the spaces between the muscle fibers. At the same time you need to do aerobic exercise to burn additional calories and strength exercises to retain and increase muscle mass. Congratulations on your decision to improve yourself. Keep up the work, watch what you eat, and I wish you the best.

9. QUESTION:
   Why are obese and overweight gay and bi men shunned from the mainstream gay community scene?
   But when it comes to lesbians and bi women, being overweight or obese is somehow more tolerated? How does one cope with being an overweight/obese gay/bi male in the GLBT community at large? Are they forever expected to remain in the category of "bears" or "daddies"? What do you think?

   • ANSWER:
     ....
     why not just loose weight?

10. QUESTION:
    How do overweight people lose bodyfat and avoiding starvation mode at the same time?
    I'm 30 pounds overweight, and I belive I'm in starvation mode. Do I need to eat more food in order to lose the maximum amount of bodyfat?
    I weigh 198 to 194 back and forth and anywhere in between. I eat pretty much like...I'd say about like 750 calories a day when I'm not pigging out.

    • ANSWER:
      You need to exercise and eat healthy.

11. QUESTION:
    What are the differences in attitude between overweight women and overweight men?
    Both can be jolly, both can seem bitter, but what are some gender-specific tendencies based on being more than a little overweight? As a guy, I've seen overweight women behave like brazen, desperate, inexperienced men do. It's the only segment of the female population that acts this way, in my experience.
    Some of you have humanized this more for me. Thank you. Good insight about more larger women than men just deciding to go out and have fun.

    • ANSWER:
      Um

      Maybe they behave differently because society judges them differently?

12. QUESTION:
    What is the best dog food for an overweight dog?
    My dachshund is overweight, and everytime I take her to the vet, I have to hear how overweight dachshund are prone to back problems and I get depressed. I know I have to help her with her weight problem-but here's my dilemma. I want her to enjoy her food too, if she doesn't-she sneaks cat food. Right now I'm feeding her Nutro-Natural choice for Overweight dogs. She loves it. But she doesn't really seem to loose weight with it, but doesn't gain either. But when my vet had me put her on the low-cal Science Diet she actually gained weight because she would sneak any food she found anywhere, because she hated it. Help! I want my pooch to be happy and healthy.

    • ANSWER:
      I can suggest a Eukanuba lite, all natural dog food. Watch the recommended amounts for the normal size of your pet. Now, here is the best advice: EXERCISE HER! Honestly, that is the best way to reduce her weight. A couple of walks a day, along with a lite dogfood, and voila, a healthy, happy pet. Don't give in to her not eating. My vet says that dogs will pull that number, but after 3 days, they WILL eat. So, if she turns her nose up to the food, please don't give her something because she looks so cute and is starving. She is playing a game that she knows she will win! But, if she doesn't lose weight and get healthy, both of you lose. Be strong. For her and to keep her for a long, long time. Aah, them little rascals!

13. QUESTION:
    What is the difference from Overweight and Obese?
    I always thought overweight is being obese, just obese is the medical term for overweight.

    • ANSWER:
      Hi !

      Overweight refers to an individual weighing 10% or more of what is considered his or her recommended healthy weight (as determined by large-scale population surveys).

      Obesity is a medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to the extent that it may have an adverse effect on health, leading to reduced life expectancy.

14. QUESTION:
    How can an overweight teenager look good in a one piece bathing suit?
    I am overweight; and I have flabby arms, my legs are curvy but not completely toned and I have stretch marks. I want to know how to look god in my bathing suit. How should I wear my hair, how should I do my makeup, and how to feel confident too. I am going swimming tomorrow so I need to know soon! First greatest answer gets 10 points!

    • ANSWER:
      hey(: First off find a suit that you absolutely LOVE, I know victorias secert has amazing one pieces. Second whats your favorite way to do your hair? and what hair style makes you feel sexy? do that! mine personally for a swim day is beachy waves, heres a link for a tutorial on how to get those:
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKSKUJYUg6A
      I would do something simple for the makeup and be sure its waterproof, i always forget to make sure... that does not end up well
      for the confidence thing just know that you are who you are and theres so many things that make you an amazing person and everyone has their faults being confident is knowing just how to work your assets! Don't worry about your arms, everyone has something they dont like about themselves and the thing is people most likely dont notice it! Secondly having curvy legs is sexy so work what you got, and finally dont worry about the stretch marks it means nothing, i know stick skinny girls with them it just means you grew too fast,
      above all just have fun with your friends and enjoy the time you spend with them!
      Hope his helped

15. QUESTION:
    What should an overweight guy wear to an underwear party?
    I'm supposed to go to an annual fund raising underwear party. I've gone in the years past and everyone's always pleasant and open minded but I would like to maybe meet a girl there. I've lost a lot of weight in the last year but am still overweight(250) and with the exercise I now have stretch marks on my armpits and lower torso. Is there any options to cover up my gut/stretch marks while still following the theme?

    • ANSWER:
      See if you can find an old fashioned pair of long johns. You know, the whole body thermal underwear with the flap in the back?

      It'll meet the needs of the party and be funny at the same time.

16. QUESTION:
    How overweight do you have to be not to fit in the rides at Disneyland Paris?
    Me and my best friend are going to Disneyland Pairs in 9 months time. We're both overweight, I'm a size 18 and 5'2. My best friend says she's heavier than me, she's 5'6 and said she's about a size 24. How overweight do you have to be not to fit on the rides?

    • ANSWER:
      It is comparable to Anaheim. Physical mobility is the greatest issue. If your friend's knees are still holding up, she should be fine. You know how some of the rides can be low seating (like getting down into a miniature sportscar. The Pirates ride and Haunted Mansion should be at the top of your list. It's a Small World, really no problem for any of those.

      The flight would be my biggest concern. Be sure you both get up and move around and point and flex your feet while sitting.

      I loved Disney Paris. We are going again. Have fun and don't worry about the ride seating unless you are very tall. Health issues are the true concern. Sometimes heart patients can't ride, etc.

17. QUESTION:
    IF you was overweight before you got pregnant when did you finally start to show and ppl culd tell?
    So this is mainly for overweight women that are or was pregnant. I myself was overweight before getting pregnant ( I was not like huge or anything but do have a stomach and love handles on me) and I am now 19 weeks pregnant and only gained like 1 lb but I am still not showing yet unfortunately....When I lay down I can feel the bottom of my stomach is getting more firm then it ever was before. So my question when did you start to show if you was overweight before getting pregnant? Thanks.

    • ANSWER:
      It depends on your body shape and where you carry your weight. I was 175 lbs and 5'6" when I got pregnant this time but I started showing around 10 weeks.

18. QUESTION:
    How overweight do you have to be before you can join weightwatchers?
    I've got a BMI of 24.5 (within the healthy range), but I am not happy with my body and I look a bit overweight. Can I still join weightwatchers or do you have to be a certain percentage overweight? Also, if I use the free joining fee and 1st meeting voucher, do I still have to go the next week if I don't like it?
    Thankyou!

    • ANSWER:
      You need to be at least 5lb heavier than your minimum weight to join. Minimum weights are based on a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 20.

19. QUESTION:
    If you are already overweight, is it okay to diet and start body building? IE Will my existing fat substitute.
    I have read that cardio counteracts muscle gain due to the release of catabolic hormones thereby breaking down muscle tissue. I do 2-3 hours of cardio a day, seven days a week. I am on a strict diet and eat less than 2000 calories a day. It is suggested for muscle gain that I have extra calories. Since I am already overweight, will my existing fat substitute? Or should I focus on losing the weight then on building? Which would be the optimal choice.

    • ANSWER:
      You will not "substitute" fat for muscle...doesn't work that way. You WILL burn off fat and lose weight....and you will gain muscle tone with strength training. It can be done simultaneousely.

20. QUESTION:
    What do overweight people think about tv shows and movies that make fun of overweight people?
    And if it makes 'em feel bad, what should I do if I'm with an overweight person who views that? Should I do anything?

    • ANSWER:
      I feel that the media stereotypes overweight people as ones who are always eating junk food, who are lazy and do not go to the gym or what have you. They do not take into consideration that some people may have a very legitimate reason for being overweight (medical for instance), they just see a heavy person and start judging.
      When I see something like that on TV, I get quite offended, but I tell myself that they don't know me or anything about me, so I don't sweat it.

21. QUESTION:
    How do I get my overweight cat to exercize?
    He's nine years old, and we brought him to the vet last week, and she said he's overweight, and needs to loose five pounds. She suggested we switch him to low-cal cat food and encourage him to excercize more, but he won't eat the food, and when I try to play with him, he just gives me this "are you crazy?" look. Please help!
    His twin brother died last month, and we just got him a new little kitten (6mo.) but all he does is hiss and growl at the cat.

    • ANSWER:
      You're going to have to make him if he won't do it himself. For starters, just get him to move for 30 seconds twice per day. You can build on that. As for what to do, you need to find a toy that he loves above all others and play with him. Or make up a new game. For instance, Poppy is obsessed with string. I use a cat teaser and make her chase it around the house and make her jump for it. Or Sophie loves her laser pointer and will chase that around.

      If nothing else, find some nice smelly food or a treat that you know he loves and make him chase that around - let him know you have it and make him come to you for it, and/or make him jump up on something to get it.

      It may be best to do this prior to feeding, so he won't feel weighted down with food. Plus it mimics what they would do in the wild before eating - namely chasing down the prey!

      Now as for the food, toss the diet crap. It's probably inferior food anyway and many cats don't like it.

22. QUESTION:
    Why is it that overweight men are not as criticized as overweight women?
    For example, you do not hear too many people making fun of overweight guys, but they are very critical of overweight women.

    • ANSWER:
      The same reason men can be bald, gray haired, with dry, wrinkled skin. It's a man's world. Men rarely spend the hours agonizing and combating age, weight and flaws the way women do because society has not made them paranoid and self conscious like women feel pressured to be all the time.

23. QUESTION:
    How many pounds are you overweight and like to loose?
    How many pounds are you overweight and like to loose? I need to loose 25 pounds.

    • ANSWER:
      I'm 5'5", small-boned, presently weigh 135, and wear size 16 pants. Most of the fat is centered around the waist and tummy.
      I have just lost 10 pounds over the past five months (I used to weigh 145 and wear size 18 pants).
      I have lost it by doing more walking and being active. I have already been eating right.

      I want to lose ten more pounds to weigh 125 to wear a size 14 again so that I can find clothes to wear. I am on my way. I'll continue to exercise and do toning too.

      Be sure to eat right and get plenty of cardio exercise (at least 30 minutes a day) and the pounds will go down.

      Good luck.

24. QUESTION:
    What brand of cat food is best for overweight cats?
    I have 2 cats. They are both overweight. We feed them Purina Naturals or something like that. We want the best, dry cat food designed specifically for overweight cats. They are adults, 5 and 9 years old. We feed them 1/3 of a cup twice a day, once in the morning, and once at night. We give them snacks throughout the day as well. I think we are feeding them too much. What do you think?

    •How much food do they need each day?
    •And how many times to they need to be fed that amount?

    • ANSWER:
      I am a fan of Science Diet, though many people are not. I like the variety available. Since cats are grazers, I feed my guys about 1/4 of a cup each twice a day, sometimes less depending on the amount of running around they do. I use the "less active" formula, and sometimes the light, and sometimes the sensitive stomach formula, which is nice for their coats.
      Weigh your cats, and look at them. Do their bellies graze the floor when they are standing? When they are sitting with their backs to you do they present a very triangular shape? Then they can afford to lose a bit of weight. Remember that different kinds of cats have different needs, and a Maine Coon cat might weigh 18 pounds and be healthy, while a Siamese cat might weigh 6 pounds and be healthy. I have 2 longhairs, and the himalayan weighs 12.5 pounds and could lose, and the persian weighs 8.5 and could gain, and they eat the same amount!

25. QUESTION:
    What services are not readily available for considerably overweight people?
    As an overweight person do you feel that there are some services that you can not access that are available to non overweight people? An example might be consignment shops for clothes. These would not typically carry or specialize in very plus sizes. Another example might be yoga classes for overweight or obese folks. These are examples I have come up with being overweight myself. What are some items/services that you find unavailable as an overweight person?

    • ANSWER:
      I am also overweight and i think a lot of name brand stores would be one i mean big girls need to look good to and i try to wear things that make me look good or that i think make me look good but sometimes it just don't work.

26. QUESTION:
    What type of car would you recommend for an overweight person?
    Trying to get people's opinions or especially own personal experiences with this because not all cars are roomy enough for overweight people. Anyone know of any cars that are comfortable for those who are overweight?

    • ANSWER:
      loose weight.......its healthier...

      walk everywhere till your small enough to fit...

27. QUESTION:
    I have one overweight cat and one underweight cat. How do I feed them?
    I have one cat who is sluggish and overweight. I also have one cat who is underweight and active. I am trying to figure out a way to help the overweight cat lose the weight, while feeding the underweight cat properly. Any suggestions on diet would be very much appreciated!

    • ANSWER:
      Your situation is quite common.

      Why do cats get fat? It can be a combination of issues, or just one. First the obvious - overfeeding. This may happen either because you're giving in to the begging or because you're free-feeding (keeping food available all day) and your cat is not self-regulated. The second reason is feeding inappropriate, low-quality food (most dry foods). The third would be medical reasons I'm not qualified to discuss, but they're rare. Most cats are fat simply because they're fed the wrong food and are fed too much.

      Is it bad for cats to be overweight? Of course! It's very bad. It often leads to diabetes, not to mention that fat cats probably don't feel very cat-like. Who would when dragging around extra pounds?

      Why is dry food bad? With very few exceptions, dry food is not appropriate food for cats. It's chock full of carbs/sugar, doesn't provide enough meat-based protein, and is often loaded with grains such as wheat or corn (which provide those carbs/sugars). Wheat, corn and soy are known allergens and in many cats will cause digestive upsets. Not to mention most also contain "meal" and "byproducts." Cats are obligate carnivores who need to eat a diet high in protein (from meat) and fat and very low in carbs. The mouse is the perfect cat food - meat, organs and bones, with perhaps a tiny bit of grains that may exist in the mouse's stomach. In addition, dry food leaves cats dehydrated. They do not instinctively drink enough water because they're designed to get it IN their food. This results in concentrated urine which can lead to all sorts of problems. And it DOES NOT CLEAN THE TEETH! Really - think about - does dry food clean OUR teeth? If it did wouldn't dentists prescribe cookies instead of brushing?

      What should cats eat? Cats should eat a species appropriate diet which very much resembles Atkins (Catkins). A raw diet is the very best, so long as it's properly supplemented to meet a cat's nutritional needs. There are many raw feeding forums available through Yahoo Groups that one can join to learn more. The next best choice is a good quality canned food (or even a commercially prepared raw diet such as Nature's Variety). These foods will have meat listed as the first ingredient, will not contain corn, wheat or soy, may include organ meats, and will not list "meal" or "byproducts." See the What to feed link for suggestions. Additionally, the brand By Nature Organics is a very good food, and at 150 calories per 6oz can, is a very good choice for weight loss.

      What about supplements for weight loss? The addition of L-Carnitine to a cat's diet may assist with weight loss. 250-500 mg per day can be added to assist with weight loss. It is probably best to start with a lower dosage until you see how your cat reacts.

      How soon will I see results? Cats need to lose weight slowly, at the rate of no more than 1 pound per month, and often less. This is because rapid weight loss may cause hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver) which can be fatal.

      In a nutshell, most cats are fat because they've been fed too much (free-feeding or indulging them) and because they're fed dry food which is NOT appropriate food for them due to the grain/carb/sugar content. Cats are obligate carnivores who need to eat a high meat-based protein diet, which is also high in fats and low in carbs.

      Many vets, who are sadly ignorant on the topic of proper cat nutrition, will recommend prescription diet foods (usually dry). Cats are expected to lose weight on a starvation diet of 1/4 or 1/3 cup of food per day. Everyone is miserable in these situations.

      The solution is to switch the fat cat (and any others in the household as well) to a good quality canned food. Because these foods are species appropriate, the cat will lose weight at a safe, slow pace (no more than 1 pound per month). Switching foods needs to occur slowly, and if you're trying to get a kibble junkie to eat canned food, that will happen naturally.

      How much should cats eat?
      This varies. Average cats may eat between 20-30 calories per pound per day. But note that that is IDEAL pounds. Using 25 calories per day for example, an 8 pound cat could eat 200 calories per day. By the same token, a cat who weighs 20 pounds but should weigh 10 could eat 250 calories per day. You multiply the ideal weight by the calories to arrive at that figure. When working toward weight loss, it's perhaps best to start at the lower end of the scale (20).

      How do I find out how many calories are in cat food? See the link "Values in canned food." If it's not listed there, you'd need to contact the manufacturer.....I believe that link provides some help there as well.

      That's it. Easy as pie. Not only will fat cats lose weight, but it and any others in the home will reap many benefits of eating a speciies appropriate diet.

      See the links below for detailed information on this topic.

      UPDATE: Poppy lost 5 pounds and Sophie lost 2 following this plan (from October to October). Each cat gets one can (5.5oz) of Nature's Variety Instincts per day. No one is starving or miserable. My vet is happy with her progress and so am I. Only 4 pounds to go!

28. QUESTION:
    Overweight and looking to start a running regimen - any suggestions?
    I am 6', large build but quite overweight at 298 lbs. I exercise regularly with free weights and walk regularly (5x per week, brisk pace, >30 min) for cardio and my blood pressure is great but I would love to drop a large number of pounds. I feel as though I am getting my nutrition in order but havfe recently been inspired by a family member who just completed her first marathon and would love to make this a goal for, perhaps, a year from now.

    My problem is this - I have never seriously run before. I have tried but quickly lose steam. Any suggestions for building a running regimen for weight loss and exercise - and how to build this up across a year to seriously be able to consider trying a marathon?

    • ANSWER:
      I have found a couple sites that have running training programs as I am interested in completing a 5k and have never been able to run any distance. Basically the idea is to combine walking/running and gradually increase to all running over time.

      Here is a good example for a 5k...this site also covers the same principals for 10k, half and full marathons.

      http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

29. QUESTION:
    What do you feel about the discrimination towards the overweight?
    Do you really think it is discrimination or not?

    My view is people do this to themselves. The obese and overweight are the reason why our health care is the most expensive in the world. Think of the lost work days from the complications of being overweight and the diseases it causes--nobody factors that into our global competitiveness.

    I am sure they are few schools that do not teach healthy lifestyles, but I would think a majority like the ones I went to teach healthy eating. Enough information out there that we should not be in an obesity epidemic.

    Weight is very different than race, religion, nationality, and gender.

    • ANSWER:
      There is no discrimination against the obese. All that I heard has to do with them not reducing their enormous size. It's not like they were born into a race and can't change it!

30. QUESTION:
    Any tips for slimming down an overweight beagle?
    My beagle is 4 years old, and about 5 pounds overweight. We've switched her to diet food, given her less treats, and taken her for a lot of runs, all this for more than 6 months. She hasn't really lost any weight. Any tips?

    • ANSWER:
      If she hasn't lost any weight in more than six months, then she is still getting more calories than you want her to be getting.

      In order to get weight loss you probably need to cut back on the amount of food you are feeding her. Get an actual measuring cup like the kind you would use for baking (just a cheap plastic one from the dollar store will do) and actually measure the exact amount of food you are feeding her EVERY single time you feed her. If you aren't measuring her food every single time you are probably overfeeding her. Most people just guesstimate how much food is a cup...and most people are very surprised by just how wrong they are in their guess once they break out a standard measuring cup and actually measure the food. Read the feeding instructions on the dog food bag and keep in mind that dog food companies want to sell as much dog food as they can. I would start at the lowest recommended amount for your dog's weight range. If she still hasn't lost any weight at all after about two months, cut back the amount that you are feeding even a little more.

      Cut out the treats all together. Or, rather, factor in the amount of calories in the treats to the amount of food you're feeding. It can be hard to eliminate treats, especially for owners of food-motivated dogs. Often people feel like they are denying their pet something they deserve by not feeding any treats at all. There are several ways to factor treats into a diet. The easiest way is to measure out the amount of food the dog will get all day and just set aside a handful of kibble to use throughout the day as treats. To make this kibble taste more like a treat and less like regular dog food (most food-motivated dogs won't care either way, but some do and most people feel that treats should be special and not just regular dog food) you can store it in an air tight container with some super-stinky treat (like hot dog, cheese, liver treats, etc). This way the food will absorb some of the smell and taste of the higher-calorie treat without adding those calories to the diet. Another way to factor treats into the diet is to feed less food if you are going to be giving treats. This can be a little trickier for balancing calories since most of the time you'll be guessing at the amount of calories in the treats and the amount of calories in the food that you aren't feeding. A third way is to use treats that have virtually no calories like carrots and green beans. Be careful about fruit though, as fruits have a lot more sugar in them than veggies and it will take less fruit to have a caloric impact.

      If she still seems hungry, you can cheat a little and add some filler to make her feel more full even though she is eating less food. Just add some green beans or pumpkin (the canned kind that's just plain pumpkin...NOT pie filling...works fine) to her meals. These vegetables have a lot of fiber and not so many calories, so they will help to fill her up without adding a lot of calories.

31. QUESTION:
    What dog food is recommended for overweight dogs?
    My dog is overweight and I need to help her lose weight. I am going to have her exercise more, but I would also like to change her food. What brand/type of dog food is recommended to help with this?

    • ANSWER:
      Do you let your dog feed itself? I mean, just letting her eat whenever she feels like it? That could be the problem. I think there's a certain amount you should feed your dog daily (like, example, 2 cups for 30lbs of dog). That could be the issue. There's also treats that help with overweight dogs (not 100% positive if they work...but my dog certainly isn't chunky and I let her feed herself
      Exercise should be enough... most dogs have a pretty high metabolism so it'll burn off the fat quickly. I feed my dog the all natural Taste of the Wild and so far no issues there.

32. QUESTION:
    What to do about being extremely overweight?
    I have a friend who is very overweight. He is 6' 3" tall and weighs 28 stone. He has a tendency to snack away at chocolate bars and biscuits during the day and even eat these on and off during the night. If he were to cut this out, and get more excercise, should his weight gradually drop?

    What are his chances of ever getting rid of all this extra weight and down to a healthy weight?
    Would all this loss of weight age his appearence?

    • ANSWER:
      ugh. as someone who used to be very overweight. (my weight was 260 lbs at my highest, now am at 140) i did everything to lose weight. ultimately i had gastric bypass and took up marathoning to keep it off. (6 years) Diet and exercise are the best way to do it. Surgical intervention is a LAST RESORT- almost died and i still have complications. He must change his behavioral patterns. this is the most challenging part. Just be there for him and encourage him. He'll do it when he is ready.

33. QUESTION:
    How do you make a reallly overweight horse loose weight fast?
    How do you make a reallly overweight horse loose weight fast? Shes really obese lunging a lot and cutting down on food of course, but what else? ANything?

    • ANSWER:
      basically its feed low calorie feed stuffs....and use a bald turn out paddock ....exercise etc....

      dont try to make your horse lose weight mega fast.....just be strict with what you are feeding...dont put oil in his feed (loads of calories)...there is a mix called happy hoof which is good for horses with or prone to laminitis...does not have much calorific value....but dont starve your horse...its not good for him.

34. QUESTION:
    What is the best bed for overweight people?
    My partner is overweight and I want to buy a memory foam matress but I'm not sure as what the best base is to deal wih his weight.
    My partner is trying to lose weight meanwhile I need a durable bed base. Which bed base is better- platform or spring base with a memory foam matress?

    • ANSWER:
      best bed is the ocean floor variety.

35. QUESTION:
    How long does it take for an overweight persons pulserate to return to normal after exercise?
    For my health and social i have to know how long it would take an overweight male's pulse rate
    to return to normal after any sort of exercise
    i cant find anything anywhere so any help would be great!

    • ANSWER:
      It takes mine about 15 minutes and i'm podgy

36. QUESTION:
    What fabrics and shapes look best on overweight women?
    My best friend is a bit overweight and carries most of her weight in her stomach. She's not very fashionable, so I wanted to purchase her some new clothes for Christmas. I really need help boosting her confidence! I want clothes that work with her shape that she is happy with because she's not a girly girl. Thanks for your help!

    • ANSWER:
      Check out "Hollywood Diva". I bought 4 things there and I loved them all. http://stores.ebay.com/Shop-Hollywood-Diva-Online. I especially like the layered look sweaters.

37. QUESTION:
    What's the difference between being overweight and obese?
    I was reading a magazine and it said that 1 in 8 people in the world are either obese or overweight. I thought they were the same thing, but i guess not. So what's the difference?

    • ANSWER:
      Per Wikipedia, being "Overweight is generally defined as having more body fat than is optimally healthy. Being overweight is a common condition, especially where food supplies are plentiful and lifestyles are sedentary. As much as 64% of the United States adult population is considered either overweight or obese, and this percentage has increased over the last four decades.[1]"

      'Obesity is a medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to the extent that it may have an adverse effect on health, leading to reduced life expectancy and/or increased health problems.[1][2] Body mass index (BMI), a measurement which compares weight and height, defines people as overweight (pre-obese) when their BMI is between 25 kg/m2 and 30 kg/m2, and obese when it is greater than 30 kg/m2.[3]"

38. QUESTION:
    What percentage of the US population is overweight?
    I think it is kind of high. But I'm not sure. And is anyone here that is overweight and trying to slim down without much luck? Im doing research on weightloss because I hear of a lot of people who have weight management problems. Thanks for the help.

    • ANSWER:
      FTN, they messed me up inside.

39. QUESTION:
    If a person is overweight and they grow taller, will they lose weight and become skinnier?
    A friend of mine is trying to lose weight but he says that he will not worry too much. Because a friend of his was overweight and grew taller and the weight was lost. He is assuming that it is going to happen to him as well. My friend is overweight, if he grows taller, will he lose weight due to the growth and become skinnier?

    Why/Why not?

    • ANSWER:
      As he grows taller he will look skinnier due to the extra height but he will nevertheless gain extra weight to match the extra height.

40. QUESTION:
    What is the best place on my overweight body for a tattoo?
    I want to get a tattoo (and yes, I've thought about this for over two years, and I'm getting a small ladybug in memory of my grandmother: Whenever we see a ladybug, we say she is watching over us). However, I'm pretty overweight. If I ever lose weight, it will hopefully be a significant amount (100+ pounds), so I need to put the tatoo someplace where it won't be distorted by weight loss/plastic surgery after weight loss.
    I've been thinking about:
    my ankle
    my lower back
    my shoulder blade
    my foot
    Is there anywhere else that would work? I'm going into the heathcare profession, so I need somewhere that can be hidden at job interviews.
    Thanks in advance for serious helpful answers!

    • ANSWER:
      Well first off you don't know for sure if/when you will lose weight so its kind of like preparing for what might happen... I guess it depends on the size of the lady bug as far as hiding it for job interviews... If you have long hair you could go with the back of the neck... or you can go with your wrist and cover it with a watch ( I use to do that) or bracelets... lower back and shoulder blade you might have problems if you do lose a lot of weight and IMO a small ladybug would look goofy there (then again I dont like the "tramp stamp area...lol) I don't think you would have a problem with your ankle area... and I just don't care for foot tattoos... hope I helped some... Im not too good with placement suggestions because all of mine are out there for God and everyone to see.... Good Luck

41. QUESTION:
    How can mothers of small children be overweight?
    I don't even have the chance to pee sometimes let alone eat. I don't mean those moms that still have their pregnancy baby fat I mean obese mothers, how do they do it? How do they do all the running around and taking care of small children like toddlers and infants??? I don't mean to offend anyone, I just don't understand how they have the energy to run around being so overweight and when they have the time to eat so much to maintain their obesity?

    • ANSWER:
      Some people have more efficient body's than others.

      For me, I wouldn't say I'm obese, but I am not 'thin'. I have 3 sons, and I work a full 40 hour week. I pretty much am the only one to do the housework and main gardening duties. I also stock the house and make sure the children have enough of everything. It too amazes me that I'm not thinner, but with an eastern european backround, my genetics are very efficient at using very little food...I guess 3 small meals a day is too much for me!

42. QUESTION:
    Fox is planning a dating show for overweight people. How do you feel about that?
    Do you feel it is exploitation, ridicule, snarky or in plain bad taste? Do you think it is a good idea to accept being overweight?

    • ANSWER:
      Even overweight people want love. Its not against the law

43. QUESTION:
    How overweight do i have to be to join slimming world?
    I'm 5ft 1 and weigh 128 pounds so my BMI is just in the healthy range.

    I'd like to lose a little weight and want to join slimming world but can i still go even though i'm not particularly overweight?

    • ANSWER:
      hi

      u dont have to be overweight u can go to learn how to eat healthy and exercise plans etc
      x

44. QUESTION:
    What kind of clothes are good for overweight people?
    My friend skye wants me to make her an outfit, but everything I find is for tiny people. Any help is greatly appreciated. She's nawt fat, just overweight. Please don't say anything mean.

    • ANSWER:
      Any clothes that fit are just fine. Clothes that are baggy just look worse, as do clothes that are too tight. Big girls can wear any style a little girl can in my opinion. I know there are some people that don't agree (especially in my town-and I know because I used to be really overweight) but honestly, everything from shorts to skinny jeans to halters can be worn by any girl, any size.

      These links are for plus size girls, with "steal the look" links, (models showing how good it looks on a plus sized girl, too)
      http://www.torrid.com/torrid/index.jsp
      http://www.maurices.com/styles_1624.htm

      Things for tiny people work for large people too...only, in a larger size is all!! (^_^)

      *add*
      Okay, I don't mean everything looks good on everyone....like a short skinny girl probably won't look as hot as she could if she's wearing a maxi dress that just makes her look ultra shorter...I mean, if your friend has big boobs, she probably won't want to wear a strappy tank top, but I'm just saying, for the most part, there's no rule that says a bigger girl has to wear dark colors or no prints or anything like that LoL I tried to clear this up, but I don't think I did....

45. QUESTION:
    Is an overweight person who tries to watch their weight healthier than a thin smoker?
    Or a thin drinker who drinks instead of eating or even a person who takes illegal drugs and is thin? If an overweight person is trying to watch their diet and does not smoke or drink or take drugs, would you say they are healthier? What say the smoker is more athletic and does physically hard work?

    • ANSWER:
      We are not doctors, and none of us have made diagnostic examinations of any of the "types" people in question. Your question is unanswerable. Some smokers live long healthy lives, some non-smokers die tragic horrible deaths at early ages. You can't make any type of sweeping generalization justifying smoking and be believable.

      This sounds like middle school chatter, am I correct?

46. QUESTION:
    Hi im overweight and i hardly eat ad work out quite a bit im not on medication how is this possible?
    Im 5'4 and about 30 pounds overweight how is this possible if i hardly eat and work out 4 hours every other day?

    • ANSWER:
      sorry but you probably just have an extremely slow metabolism...or maybe the fact that you don't eat as much as your body needs is making your body retain more fat...maybe you should try working out everyday for 60 minutes instead, so you can burn the calories you gained everyday...good luck

47. QUESTION:
    How do overweight people wipe after pooping?
    How do overweight (obese) people wipe after taking a dump? It seems that their arms would not be long enough to reach. Serious question a few friends and I have been wondering.

    • ANSWER:
      the same way any other person wipes there butt with toilet paper unless they have a beady to wash there butt

48. QUESTION:
    How do you tell if a skink is overweight?
    I've had my skink for about two months and he's growing pretty well. How do I know if he's overweight? I know with snakes it's if you can no longer see the line down their back - is it the same?

    Thanks.

    • ANSWER:
      This would be easier if you told us what type of skink you have. Right now, the best advice I can give you is that if the belly reaches past its knees when it's laying down, then it may be on the path to being overweight.

49. QUESTION:
    Can an overweight adult take beginning ballet class?
    I took a little ballet as a child, but I've never lost interest. I'm in my 40's now, and I am overweight, but I would still like to try a beginning ballet class. I know it would increase my fitness level, as well as my overall self confidence and mental health. Any thoughts or suggestions as to whether I'd be completely embarrassed or could I actually give this a go?

    • ANSWER:
      I myself have taught many beginning adult students who were looking to improve their health and lose weight. Don't be embarrassed to give it a try. You'll probably meet some new wonderful friends along the way that will be a great support system for and you'll share the same interest in dance. Go for it, you have nothing to lose (except weight!) and everything to gain including and overall sense of well-being and accomplishment! A word of practical advice, most places will offer you the first class free to see if you like it, don't be afraid to try a few studios to find the best class for you. Different teachers teach differently. If you take a class from someone you don't feel good about, try someplace else until you find the right fit, this will make you feel good in the long run. I wish you all the best!

50. QUESTION:
    How can you tell if your snake is overweight?
    My corn snake is probably about a foot and a half long, and she eats 2 pinky mice every 4 to 5 days. I didnt think she was over weight (she seems so tiny) but today i got another corn snake, about the same length, and he is much smaller. I was just concerned, and there isn't really a vet nearby here where i can take a snake. If she is overweight, could i just change the feeding to one pinky mouse per feeding?

    • ANSWER:
      Most corn snakes are under weight (or any snake for that matter) If received from petshops since they basically starve their animals to keep them tiny so the are "appealing" to other people. I think you are feeding it right. She wouldn't eat if she wasn't hungry!